Margaret Olsen, deemed one of the United States’ top authorities on precious metals, has introduced a new book, The Platinum and Palladium Buyer’s Guide.

The book showcases platinum and palladium coins and bars. It includes more than 400 actual-size photos of more than 275 coins and is the first to include the new platinum Eagle coin from the U.S. Mint.

The book, coauthored by Alison Matthews of Westminster Publishing Co., explains Internal Revenue Service regulations on precious metal purchases, provides basic education and information about the metals, gives tips on buying and selling coins, and provides information on how to find a reputable dealer.

The Platinum and Palladium Buyer’s Guide, ISBN #0-9630498-2-8, is available at book retailers or from the author’s Web site at 4preciousmetals.com.

John Iverson, cofounder of Santa Fe Stoneworks, a craft studio specializing in inlaid knives and cutlery, has launched CraftSmarts, a consulting business for studio craft professionals. Iverson, who holds an MBA degree from the University of Toronto, spent more than two decades with Santa Fe Stoneworks. He now is available to offer advice on cultivating and keeping customers, creating an integrated marketing program, unraveling tax and accounting issues, implementing production controls, and improving relationships with service professionals and employees. His Web site eventually will enable experts to answer professional artists’ questions online. Craft Smarts, 2229 Paseo de los Chamisos, Santa Fe, NM 87505; (505) 424-1261 or (505) 670-1162, fax (505) 424-1262, www.jiverson.com.